| UK. Liverpool Coastguards operation ends with two fatalities off Blackpool beach |
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| Saturday, 27 May 2006 | |
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Coastguard news: At 9.45 this morning an emergency call was received from the beach patrol into the Operations Room of Liverpool Coastguard which reported that two men in their 30s were in difficulty in the sea at Blackpool. The report identified that they were in difficulty opposite the Strand Hotel about 500 yards from the Tower and that they were being washed out to sea. Immediately the Blackpool RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch and a rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield was scrambled. Local Police were in attendance and reported that both men were in severe difficulties. Upon arrival the crew of the inshore lifeboat managed to pull one man aboard and land him to the north pier where an ambulance was waiting and Lytham paramedics began to work on the casualty immediately. The second man was then brought ashore and both were taken to the Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Ged Lynch, Watch Manager at Liverpool Coastguard said: "It is our understanding that the two men had stripped off and gone over the chain onto the steps to take photographs and had somehow entered the water. "A beach patrol had gone to the area proceeded and upon arrival had tried to reach the nearest man with life rings. The position of the two men was between the two sets of steps locally and it became impossible to get to them because of the heavy swell. "We would like to extend out sympathies to their families and friends. We also want to reiterate to anyone enjoying the Bank Holiday not to take risks near the sea at any location if a heavy swell is running. The sea may look calm at this time of year, but a very heavy swell and undertow can drag the strongest person out if they're caught out. "Despite being nearly half way through the year, the sea is probably at its coldest at present having not had the chance to warm in the later summer months. Please remember the power of the sea is bigger than any of us and it just isn't worth the risk." |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 May 2006 ) |
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